Planning and Research Associate I - 1042 (Augusta)

Augusta , Maine , United States | Planning & Development | Full-time | Partially remote

Apply by: May 10, 2024

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OFFICE ASSOCIATE II

Opening Date:April 26, 2024Closing Date:May 10, 2024

Location:Augusta*Position #:00500-1042

Position Type:Full Time(Limited Period)Class Code:0039

Grade/Salary: Grade 20 - $20.08 - $26.96/Hour

*This position is located in Augusta and may work according to DACF's Telework Policy.

Are you looking to improve Maine’s outdoor recreation experience?

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is looking for a highly organized individual who can support the planning, research, and development of the State of Maine’s trail system. This is a full-time,limited periodposition.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION:This position will assist the project partners of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) with technical services related to the development and renovation of recreational trails across the State of Maine. By applying current best practice strategies to trail development and/or renovation projects this position will help to assure the accessibility and sustainability of trail systems and provide the public with a renewed source of outdoor recreation opportunity for future generations. A significant amount of travel across the state is required in order to fulfill the duties of this position. Overnight accommodation will range from camping in state parks to periodic hotel stays based on season and field conditions. Work is performed under limited supervision.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collecting, analyzing, and presenting facts, and statistics, relevant to the development of policies for effective resource utilization.

• Applying research principles to various phases of projects that are considered by a superior to provide a basis for planning programs.

• Conducting field assessments to inform project plans.

• Coordinating with public and private agencies to identify avenues to execute trail plans (including confirming that plans are aligned and budgeted appropriately).

• Creating funding applications per federal guidelines and drafting Requests for Proposals according to state procurement rules.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Experience building/renovating recreational trails.

• Knowledge of trail assessment, construction, and renovation best practices.

• Experience building or knowledge of common trail structures.

• Knowledge of Accessible trail standards (i.e. United States Forest Service (USFS), Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG), and the Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG).

• Knowledge of GIS and database management (including ArcGIS, SQL, Microsoft Access, and related software).

• Ability to establish connections and communicate with park and land managers throughout the State of Maine to assess trail use and needs that are related to current conditions in relation to desired uses.

• Ability to use a data-driven approach to assess project priorities, gaps in recreational infrastructure, appropriate interventions, and preliminary construction plans.

• Valid driver's license required.

  For questions specific to the position, please contact Doug Beck by e-mail at:doug.beck@maine.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:A six (6) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing a knowledge of the principles of research and planning.

Preference will be given to candidates witha Bachelor's, or higher, degree in outdoor recreation or an equivalent area of study in addition to work building trails and trail structures and/or the management/stewardship of trail systems.

HOW TO APPLY:Interested applicants will need to complete and submit an online State of Maine Direct HireApplication, along with a Cover Letter,and detailedResumeat: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/index.shtml#acf

Direct Hire Applicationforms can be obtained by accessing the NRSC website at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/application.shtml

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO APPLY ONLINE:Please mail the application materials listed in the "How to Apply" section to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave.Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($ 10,523.28 -$ 12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.41% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

• Learn aboutadditional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.